Is Guinea and Sierra Leone's connectivity the key to regional integration?
Guinea and Sierra Leone are banking on digital connectivity to drive regional integration, following the signing of an Interconnection Agreement between Guinea’s Backbone Management Company (SOGEB) and Sierra Leone’s Leoncom.
The deal, finalised in Conakry on June 12, links the two nations' fibre optic networks at Pamelap, a key border town, creating a new pathway for cross-border data exchange and shared broadband infrastructure.
The partnership aims to reduce internet and data transit costs, enhance network reliability, and facilitate high-speed connectivity for telecom operators, public institutions, and businesses across both countries. Initial capacity is set at 42.5 Gbps, with plans to scale to 100 Gbps by 2026. The system uses secure IP/MPLS protocols and fibre technology to deliver robust digital services.
Officials from both countries say the initiative aligns with broader regional goals under ECOWAS and the African Union to build a unified African digital market.
"This project is a key component of the Guinea–Sierra Leone Digital Pact 2024, aimed at unifying digital markets and services," said Nouhan Traoré, Secretary General of Guinea’s Ministry of Telecommunications. Leoncom CEO Foday Rado Yokie added that, “our collaboration with SOGEB will improve broadband access in Sierra Leone and stimulate economic interaction with Guinea.
Mohamed Kourouma, Director of SOGEB, however, noted, “This agreement is a major milestone for Guinea, reflecting our commitment to building an open and interconnected national backbone that benefits operators, enterprises, and citizens alike.”
The agreement also supports the Guinea–Sierra Leone Digital Pact 2024, a bilateral roadmap to foster digital inclusion and integration, combating cybercrime, and improving cross-border communication.
In early 2025, Guinea's internet penetration rate was 26.5%, with 3.96 million users, while Sierra Leone had a 20.7% penetration rate, with 1.80 million users, according to Datareportal. Telecom giants like Orange and MTN are expected to benefit from reduced operational costs, while citizens in border communities will gain better access to services such as e-learning, telemedicine, and remote work platforms. Discussions are already underway to extend this fibre corridor to Liberia, potentially anchoring a sub-regional digital backbone.
Disclaimer: The image for the article was AI-generated
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
